The best camping near Rock Island State Trail

Discover the most magical spots to pitch your tent or park your rig on your next Rock Island State Trail adventure.

Walk along an old railroad bed at this linear state park in north-central Illinois.

Popular ways to camp

Community favorites near Rock Island State Trail

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Public campgrounds in the park
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Stay at a public campground in Rock Island State Trail

Rock Island Campground

1 site In Rock Island State Trail

Top-rated campgrounds near Rock Island State Trail

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Horseshoe Bend

8 sites · RVs, Tents120 acres · Roanoke, IL

Family owned private campground since the 1940's. Very secluded and private. Nice trails for hiking or biking. There is even a small "race track" in the bottom bowl near the creek.

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(5)

175 Acre Farm: Glamp Tents & Cabin

3 sites · Lodging175 acres · Tiskilwa, IL

Hungry World Farm is a nonprofit 175 acre farm that inspires and educates people on the benefits of regenerative agriculture. Our farm is located in Central Illinois about 2 hours west of Chicago along I-80, 45 minutes north of Peoria, and 35 minutes from Starved Rock State Park. The beautiful topography includes bluffs, valley, Plow Creek, 100 acres of forest, and over 50 acres of pasture, market garden, crops, barns, playground, nature preserve, animals, playground, commercial kitchen, outdoor wood-fired pizza oven, and a produce packing center. Uniquely, for many years the farm was an Intentional Community and has 10+ Airbnb rentals with additional building, glamping tents, RV and camping sites. Our market garden and livestock operations provide delicious and nutrient dense food to thousands of people every year. So many of our guests just need an escape, from traffic, from electronics, from the things that keep their families from being together. We provide a uniquely, peaceful and unforgettable experience, where they can walk through the woods, pet the animals, dig their hands in the soil, and gaze at the stars. Here are some things we offer: 1. Wood Fired Pizza Nights, Friday nights from 5 - 8pm with some live music 2. Breakfasts on the Farm, Saturday 8:30 - 10am 3. Peaceful Overnight Stays for up to 35 guests in a variety of lodging including Cabin, Apartments, Retreat Center, RV spots, Glamping & Camping Available. These can be booked via the Hungry World Farm Website directly for special requests, as well as Airbnb, and Hipcamp. 4. Tours of the Farm Garden, Homestead Animals, Farmstead Livestock, with special focus on Regenerative Farming & forest and prairie Conservation 5. Volunteer Opportunities - to garden, build, raise animals, conserve pastures and forests, and build trails. 6. Workshops - Gardening, Homesteading, And Regenerative Agriculture Workshops including IVCC extension classes. 7. Groups of visitors holding Reunions, Youth events, Groups, special retreats, and wedding parties are welcome! 8. People can also buy farm produce at the Peoria Riverfront Market, May - September, and may be able to purchase value added products at the farm. Discover the farm - an unforgettable escape for you, your family, church group, or wedding party. Reconnect with nature. Gaze at the stars. Fall in love. Restore your soul. Our Cabin, Rooms, & Apartment are now on AirBnB and Hipcamp (with more to come.)

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Kayak Starved Rock Campground

32 sites · RVs, Tents42 acres · Ottawa, IL

we allow primitive tent camping, tear drop campers, pop up campers and campervans we are right on the illinois river across from Starved Rock State Park. Towering views of St. Peters sandstone bluffs, soaring bald eagles and sandy islands. We are primitive. no water no electric. Just beautiful riverside camping with ultra clean pimped out porta potties that have wipes, underarm spray deodorant, air freshener and hand sanitizer. Please note kayak rentals or guided kayak tours are not included but may be purchased onsite or from our website kayak starved rock campground KAYAK STARVED ROCK CAMPGROUND Camping Rules Our Rules are to promote a family friendly and safe camping experience We reserve the right to evict anyone without refund for improper behavior or failure to observe our rules and regulations. All Campers must check in/show ID at the KSRC office and sign a waiver and receive a parking pass/wristband. WE DO NOT ALLOW GUESTS! ANYONE ON THE PROPERTY MUST BE REGISTERED AHEAD OF TIME AS A CAMPER AND PAID FOR! All Campers are required to wear wristbands. All vehicles must have a Parking pass on the dashboard. Anyone within camp area must have a wristband on. You must be 21 y.o. to make a camping reservation. If anyone in the camping reservation is under 21 then someone 20 years older must be present at all times camping with the person(s) under 21 NO GENERATORS!!!!! NO MUSIC IS TO BE PLAYED THROUGH SPEAKERS AT ANY TIME QUIET HOURS ARE FROM 10PM TO 7AM THAT MEANS NO NOISE WHATSOEVER. Strictly Enforced Vehicular entry/exit is not permitted between these hours. Children should be on campsite by 9:00 pm. If you violate this rule you will be evicted without refund and you will be banned from ever camping again. IF YOUR CAR DOES NOT HAVE A PARKING PASS IT WILL BE TOWED AT YOUR EXPENSE! Check-in is at 3:00 pm. Check-out time is 3:00 pm. Footwear must be worn at all times in the camping area. The speed limit is 10mph in the campground. We have Jumbo wood bundles for sale($8) at the front office. You may not use any wood(>3”diameter) found within the campground for your campfire. Swimming is prohibited from any beach in the campground. You may wade up to your thighs however, ALL CHILDREN MUST HAVE A LIFE JACKET ON AND BE SUPERVISED AT ALL TIMES we do allow well behaved leashed dogs at this campground(please be advised that Eagles can harm small dogs. we are not responsible if your dog inflicts harm/and or injures Glass containers/bottles of any sort are prohibited in the campground. Garbage must be bagged and placed into the Dumpster within the Campground upon leaving. If any garbage is left at your site you will be charged a $50 cleaning fee. No fires permitted except in fire rings. Absolutely no firearms or fireworks! IF FOUND YOU WILL BE ASKED TO LEAVE. No ATVs, dirt bikes, motorized scooters (battery or gas) WE are not responsible for damage or theft of your personal belongings. Please leave all valuables at home. WE DO ALLOW WELL BEHAVED LEASHED DOGS AT THIS LOCATION ONLY 2 DOGS MAX PER CAMPSITE

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Posey Ridge

7 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents25 acres · Danvers, IL

I have a lake with lots of fish to go fishing, canoeing, kayaking. I also have small jon boat available for fishing. My property also has a outdoor his and hers privys..(bathrooms) No water though. I also have two construction trailers that we remodeled with couches chairs tables and refrigerators and TV's. These have a microwave in them to. These are available for people to stay in if wanted. They also have heat and AC. No water though. They cost extra to stay in.There's also places with camper plug ins. So power is available. Also have horseshoe pit and overhead cooking area. Great place for tent camping also. Have fire pit. And fire rings available. Also have access to firewood. Just no water. Great quiet enjoyable place for getaway to go fishing,canoeing or kayaking. Conveniently located between Peoria and Bloomington Illinois. Only about 3/4 from the Mackinaw river. For those who love to canoe and kayak on the river. Paddle boats will be available please inquire. ** PLEASE CONTACT HOSTS ABOUT PETS**

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Frakers Grove Farm

3 sites · RVs, Tents250 acres · La Fayette, IL

Frakers Grove Farm has been part of my family since the 1980s, but its history extends back to 1828 when Michael Fraker arrived and negotiated a peaceful settlement with the local Native American tribes, becoming the first settler in North Eastern Knox County. His grave, along with those of approximately 26 relatives and friends, is located on the property. Camp on a 250-acre farm in Western Illinois, featuring a 1.5-acre pond stocked with Blue Gill, Crappie, Wide Mouth Bass, Catfish, and resident Grass Carp, plus a small creek. The property also has trails and abundant wildlife, including deer, American river otters, beavers, geese, wood ducks, and raccoons. A Jon boat is available for use on the pond. We offer 1 Walk-in Camp Site and 1 Drive-In Site by the pond, each with a fire ring. RV camping is currently in a trial phase; your feedback is invaluable. This area provides primitive wooded camping behind and around the pond, with the RV site located next to the pole barn. Note: The RV site listing is not normally active, so please reach out in advance if interested. Guest WiFi is available near the buildings. Assistance with transporting tents and supplies to and from the campsite on check-in and check-out days is available upon request. Facilities include a Porta Potty and potable water from a yard hydrant, both located near the Pole Barn. NOTE: This is an active farm with considerable activity involving heavy machinery during the spring and fall. We currently have chickens and are taking a break from pigs. The newly established pasture is expected to yield grass hay this year to help fund new fencing, a preparatory step for introducing cows.

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Black Sheep Flower Farm

5 sites · Lodging20 acres · Lewistown, IL

Million Dollar view! Stargazers & birdwatchers' dream! Black Sheep Flower Farm is a chemical free flower farm overlooking the Spoon and Illinois River valley. Beautiful hiking trails at Dickson Mounds and the Nature Conservancy (Emiquon) wetland preserve. We aim to provide an affordable and safe space where people feel free to be themselves and enjoy nature. Chill vibes. Quiet and romantic getaway! No homophobia, transphobia, racism or misogyny!

Booked 1 time

Kickapoo Creek Getaway

1 site · Tent4 acres · Bellevue, IL

4 acres right on the creek when the water is low there is a huge beach you can even camp on! We own both sides of the creek don't worry about getting wet or using the beach on either side if accessible. You can fish the creek there are some deep holes on some bends and near the far bank that a good fisher can spot right away. There is a big fire pit and ring usually there is enough wood around the property to get a fire going(unless everything is soaked from rain). There is a gravel parking spot just off the road about enough room for 5 cars or you can park in the grass along the edge of the property by the road it is a 20 foot steep decent from the parking to the camping area just so you know that and going down to the creek are the only hills everywhere else is pretty much flat and wooded, but you can pretty much see your vehical from anywhere except the creek and the other side of course. There are picknit tables and some trash cans there as well. Also a nice walking path around the main camping area. I don't go down there alot to keep the grass and tall stuff down so might be a jungle at times but when I do get chances I go and clear out stuff. Sometimes the cars on the road can be loud at night but that's about all you gotta worry about here.

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Avalon Unity Garden

2 sites · RVs, Tents1 acre · Tampico, IL

This garden is intended to help people connect to Mother Earth. There is room for yoga or meditation with the plants. You can sleep in a tent, or your vehicle. It has a walkable spiral, an 18’ Mother Earth sculpture, an earth lodge for ceremonies and a hexagon swing area. It’s located in a very small farm community. We are about a mile from the Hennepin canal where you can walk, fish or canoe.

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(5)

River run

6 sites · RVs, Tents115 acres · Green Valley, IL

Learn more about this land:This campsite is great for fishing, kayaking, outdoor games, swimming in the river and sitting around the fire. We do offer a little pavilion and a sand volleyball court.

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The Farmers Cabin

3 sites · Lodging5 acres · Normal, IL

Step back in time and enjoy our rustic cabin couples retreat. No insulation or drywall, restored just as it was in 1865. The setting is rural and tranquil with lots of nature and farm animals, a beautiful place to relax and unplug. Conveniently located close to the Intersection of I-74 and I-55. Close to Illinois State and Illinois Wesleyan Universities. As our guest you will have access to our farm surroundings. The bedroom loft provides a beautiful country view of the eastern pasture. Our cabin includes a small refrigerator, microwave, coffee maker and toaster. The cabin is stocked with plates, glasses, coffee cups and silverware. Need some fresh air? The front porch is a wonderful place to sit and read a book, play a guitar or just listen to the sounds of nearby nature. Their is a small fire pit as well as a park like charcoal grill just outside the cabin entrance. Just a few steps away you will have access to the bathhouse, lined with aromatic cedar with private entrance. If you're looking for adventure instead of a boring hotel room, this is the place for you! Please be advised this is a working farm. It is 100 + years old and we cannot promise you may not see a bug or two. We have a few farm animals that need daily attention so you may see someone wondering around at some point. Just wave if you need anything, we’re happy to help out. Sorry, “NO pets are allowed. Note: 3 night maximum stay.

Booked 1 time

1951 Dream

1 site · Lodging82 acres · Orion, IL

This is an 82 acre property of approximately 65 percent old growth forest, 20 percent row crop and 15 percent of alfalfa/vegetable garden. Bookings are exclusive, that is, whether you are just looking to pitch a tent for the night or host a mid-summers wedding party for 250, the place is yours. You won't be sharing it with any other campers. There are three levels of booking: Ghost...Starts and hopefully ends at $35 Perfect for those who just want to pitch a tent for the night or host a picnic during the day. There is a well-maintained port-a-potty and an open-air shower. You're free to explore all 82 acres, dangle your feet in the creek, sunbathe. A popular stop with cyclists, it's called Ghost because outside of a couple grocery bags of trash in the metal can, we don't expect to even know you were there. Access to ConX7 starts at $100 Are you hosting a small group and you want a weather-secure space? Container Experiment No.7 (Conx7), is a forty-foot, high-cube intermodal container. It was built in China, carried one load of tires and has been adapted as a multi-use hospitality property. It’s camping... in a tent made of cor‑ten steel. Conx7 is off the grid, enough solar power to charge devices and LED illumination after dark. Not enough for hair dryers. A day watching thunderstorms with friends from inside ConX7 is a comfortable and pleasant experience. After dark, the container is a nightlight, an HQ for the party and home to the camp's composting toilet. Concierge Support Hands-on assistance for your event of stay. We can arrange for a generator or catering. Tenting for groups up to 250, monster wall of sound, fireworks displays, video/drone event coverage, bodyguards, we've done all that. We have a deep bench of resources in the community and we're glad to share them.

Booked 5 times

Whispering Pines Events & Lodging

49 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents10 acres · Geneseo, IL

Welcome to Whispering Pines, a family focused campground to help you get away from the daily grind. Surround yourself amongst tall pine trees as you hear the wind whisper tranquility all around you. We are a family owned campground with a heart to serve people and provide a peaceful environment where families and individuals can enjoy making new memories. Whispering Pines is an event and retreat center that offers lodging and camping amenities. We also have a chapel ready to host your ceremony. We have RV hookups, tent sites, cabins, a lodge, and an event center. We can help you create a package to fit your needs and budget.

The best camping near Rock Island State Trail guide

Overview

About

This trail/park stretches 26 miles from Alta, in Peoria County, to Toulon, in Stark County. The tree-canopied corridor is 50 to 100 feet wide. Stop by several historic attractions on your route to take a breather from walking or pedaling.

Stop by Quincy Depot in Wyoming, the park headquarters. See historical artifacts from the railroad's heyday in the late 1800s and early 1900s. Displays include a wagon, a conductor's hat, and railroad equipment.

Traverse the Spoon River Bridge, the pride and joy of the trail. The iron trestle spans a few hundred feet. There's a bench to sit on to take a break and look at the gently moving river below.

Get close to nature at Kickapoo Creek Recreation Area. See 14 acres of restored prairie grasslands, which let your imagination wander with the warm breeze. It's easy to think about what life was like before humans lived here.

Camp at the rustic campground near the restored prairie. Buy your supplies in Alta, Toulon, or Wyoming.